Abstract: A rotary drive device for effecting, for example, displacement of a printing roller towards or away from a pressure roller in a printing press, is formed by a direct current or alternating current high speed motor coupled mechanically to a permanent magnet low speed motor. Fast movement is effected with the permanent magnet motor being pulled by the high speed motor, while slow movement with rapid braking is effected, at high torque, with the permanent magnet motor excited and pulling the other motor, to bring the printing roller gently into contact with the pressure roller.